NationStates Jolt Archive

The old wooden doors slammed open.

"What is this?" cried the old Emperor as the doors hit the walls of his study.

"You, 'Majesty', are under arrest in the name of the Republican Senate!" stated the officer in command of the detachment of Senatorial troops entering the Emperor's study.

In an obviously fake servile tone: "Now, 'Majesty', if you would be so good as to come with me......"

Minutes later:

The Imperial War Room was a disturbed beeshive of activity. Aides ran back and forth, dozens of calls were made as the situation bubbled, several dozen captive officers were kept against one wall and seated in the very centre was the traitorous Cyaxares Melepotas, formerly President of the Imperial Senate, and now President (pro tempore, of course) of the newly-formed Democratic Republic of New Chalcedon.

The old Emperor was forced in front of the chair that was his until a few hours previously, where he now confronted his adversary.

"Well, Majesty. Here we are. You will, of course, abdicate all titles and honours, in exchange for which you will be permitted to live in closely-guarded retirement for the rest of your life. Or......"

The Emperor drew himself up to his full and commanding height. "You are mistaken, traitor. First, We hold Our authority from God. We cannot give away that which is not Ours to give, despite your threats. Second, We remain the Sovereign until either death or a formal vote of the Imperial senate removes Us from Our office. Neither has happened, so We still have Our duty. We will not abandon it, under any threats."

At this moment, the old man sounded more an Imperator than at any previous point of his rule. The captive officers stood as one, silently showing their support for their sovereign in a display more impressive than any amount of shouting or applause, and even several rebel officers looked awestruck. He bestowed a look of gratitude upon those officers, then continued:

"We do not treat with userpers. Further, We order you to remove yourselves from Our court, on pain of death."

White as milk, the traitor rose from his stolen seat in a manner remniscent of a viper uncoiling from rest.

"Prettily said, "Majesty". But in the final analysis, pretty words are all that you are good for - that, living like a parasite off the backs of the oppressed citizenry and denying our nation its rightful place under the sun by reason of your timidity. And since you are so completely unco-operative, you leave me with no other option. As the Head of State for the Democratic Republic of New Chalcedon, I condemn you to death for treason against the people, and execute the sentence in person."

A pistol barked, and the old man slumped to the floor. The captive Loyalist officers soon followed their Emperor into death.

Those who looked upon the dead countenance of the Emperor were heard to swear, in their cups, that the old man dies smiling, despite the official claim that the "Oppressor of the People" had died as a coward.

***Official Communique from the Democratic Republic of New Chalcedon***

FROM: The Office of President Cyaxares Melepotas of New Chalcedon.
TO: All interested parties.
RE: Celebrate!

To those who love liberty, rejoice! The tyrannical Emperor has been overthrown. Unfortunately, due to his fear of the righteous judgement of the people, their chief oppressor committed suicide like the coward he was.

The Revolution shall inevitable spread as the people realise the bounty of freedom! Our first action is to send our troops in support of the Rebel forces of Dashie, in their armed struggle. These forces will bring woe to the oppressors of Dashie's people. To those who fear the people, fear us, their liberators!

[Signed]
Cyaxares Melepotas, President pro tempore of the Democratic Republic of New Chalcedon.

Crown Prince Michael was in the Blachernae Palace, handling the duties that his father's age had relegated to his capable hands, when his father's aide, Andras Lasarkis, opened the door to his office with shaking hands.

"Sit down, Andras. You look like a snake crawled across your grave. What's wrong?" The old man truly does look like a ghost, the young man reflected.

"Majesty - "

"No. Not yet. Not for years to come", the Crown Prince replied in instinctive, horror-stricken denial that wasn't really denial. He felt, all too clearly, that the terrible news was real.

"Aye, Majesty. Your father had retired for the night, for the sake of his health," the grey-topped head turned to pointedly look at the serene nightscape outside, in reproof that the younger man wasn't sparing his health as he should, "when traitorous officers apprehended him, taking him to the Combined Command Centre. That verminous worm-spawn, Melepotas, then proceeded to personally execute him. We received this information from a rebel officer who defected and came stright here, hoping to save you."

"Command us, Basileus."

Upon hearing the ancient title, dragged out only for formal occasions, the Crown Prince willed himself to uphold his duty. There will be time for mourning later, he consoled himself. In the meantime, I must be as fine steel - take this pressure, and hold up under it. But even the finest steel has a breaking point..... He turned away from that thought, knowing that that way lay madness, and began to issue orders.

"Andras, issue a communique in my name to all our allied nations. Turn out the Varangian Guard, such as have not defected to the rebels. Send someone to Hagia Eirena and get Patriarch Gennadius here. We can't afford to let him fall into rebel hands. Colonel, organise a defence of Blachernae. Thank God that Mother, Sofiana and Elena are in Novoa Hadrianopolis. If they were here, they'd be in danger. Andras, send a message to the Comandant of the Novoa Hadrianopolis garrison. Order him to defend the Imperial Family with every resource at his command."

"At once, Majesty."
"As you command, Sire."

After they had both left, Michael Doukas-Palaiologos finally allowed himself the luxury of mourning the father who had loved him well, although the pres of state had not always allowed him to show it.

The next morning....

The bullet-scarred facade of the once-elegant Blachernae Palace gave mute testimonial to the ferocious fighting that had occurred in the northwest quadrant of the city. However, only the deaf would have needed such testimonial, as the fighting continued unabated nearby. The Church of Saint Zeno had been destroyed in an exchange between loyalist and rebel forces.

In the southwest, the fortress of Saint Paul stood with the rebel SQPR eagle standard flying from its battlements, mirrored by the Fortress of Saint Peter in the northeast (sea) quarter, with the Palaiologian Imperial double-eagle standing defiant. In the east, the great dome of the Hagia Eirena had collapsed under shelling from the Central Command Complex, killing dozens of priests and turning the great cathedral into an impromptu graveyard. In the southeast, rebel forces controlled the Hippodrome and the Command Complex. In the south, the Mangana Palace Complex was the current battleground. While the Loyalist forces controlled the centre of the city, things were looking bad, as the rebels were highly organised. Further, the Loyalists were demoralised by a rumor that the Crown Prince had either committed suicide or been assassinated.

Novoa Hadrianopolis had declared for the Crown, and Kastamonu for the rebels. Fighting had broken out in Atticala City, and the cities of Philippopolis and Alexandropolis were likewise engulfed in chaos.

***Official Communique from the Imperial government***

TO: All allied nations.
From: His Imperial Highness, Crown Prince Michael of New Chalcedon.
Re: Attempted Coup.

To the dear friends and allies of New Chalcedon,

It is with sorrow that I inform you of the passing of my Imperial Father, due to the treachery of the so-called President of New Chalcedon. I know that all the true friends of the late Emperor will mourn his loss even as I do. Further, New Chalcedon is now engulfed in civil strife, with the capital still contested between loyal and rebel forces.

I do not ask for assistance - the loyalist forces are quite capable of handling the rebels. I ask that all nations refrain from aiding the rebels. Their rhetoric sounds fine and wonderful, but their actions, as epitomised in their dealings with the Dashian rebels (OOC: here (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=553232)), in which they have shown their true, treacherous nature.

The Crown forces will continue to maintain New Chalcedon's international obligations and uphold the treaties agreed to by my Father of happy memory. Finally, I ask tthose nations who syompathise with the loyalist cause to advertise this fact - it will sway undecided citizens, as well as lifting loyalist morale.

Yours in sorrow,

Michael Doukas-Palaiologos,
Crown Prince of New Chalcedon.

***Novoa Hadrianopolis***

The car did not appear to be anything out of the ordinary - a well-used family sedan, parked on the side of the road in Novoa Hadrianopolis, like so many others in the crowded city centre. Likewise, the man at the nearby cafe appeard to be just another office worker on a lunch break. Where are they? Even parasites like these shouldn't take this long! ran through the forefront of the man's mind, coloured by a wave of irritiation. To have the entire operation derailed just because the targets couldn't drag themselves out of the shops!

There they were...at last. Their security details protective as always, of course - not that that would help. They had to go near the innocuous car to get to the next department store, and sure enough they did.

The battered car blew up in a spectacular gout of smoke, fire and shrapnel, and the security guards threw their charges to the ground with the lightning reflexes of long years of practice and devotion. As the choas expanded, the ordinary man at the cafe table got up with carefully-concealed haste and made his way down the street, like any other shocked, terrified bystander. Sheep, all of them- His thoughts were cut off by a shout.

Something - an injudicious movement, perhaps, or a change gleam of sunlight from the not-quite-sufficiently concealed detonation control hidden up his sleeve - drew the attention of one of the perimeter security personnel. "Halt! Do not leave the scene, citizen! Your testimony - ". The sound of a pistol ratcheting out from its forearm sheath, followed by the distinct sharp pop! of a silenced firearm, cut him off, and his face exploded into a red ruin.

The exchange drew the attention of other guards, and the man was gunned down before he could take another step. As the wail of ambulance sirens filled the street, frantic paramedics attempted to determine if any of the two women and three childran had survived the deadly attack....

***News Bulletin from TV Station NCIS, braodcasting from Novoa Hadrianopolis***

YOUNG, ATTRACTIVE WOMAN: In breaking news, the Empress-Dowager and her two daughters, as well as a lady of her court and her daughter, were attacked by a rebel-sponsored assassin. The assassin has been identified as one Marcus Khanty, from Kastamonu. Apparently, he had moved to Novoa Hadrianopolis shortly before the rebellion broke out.

When the police raided the apartment block in which he lived, they found a group of rebels. While four officers died in the fighting, the raid was successful and the rebels had no opportunity to erase incriminating documents from their comuter networks.

The police are now in the process of raiding several ocations around the city, implicated in these documents as harbouring rebel terrorist cells.

Now, to more sorrowful news: The Dowager Empress, her lady-in-waiting Zoe Isauras, Lady Zoe's daughter Melissiana and Princess Sofiana were all killed in the blast or died en route to hospital. Princess Eirena was badly injured, and is being treated in the Intensive Care Unit at Basil IV Memorial Hospital.

In other news, Prince Leo Doukas-Palaiologos was killed in a skirmish with rebel forces in Neo-Atticala earlier today, and the Crown Prince continues to struggle in the capital. The garrison commandant, Strategos Membraseletos, has ordered half the city's garrison to aid the Crown Prince in the capital. Memorial servies for the Imperial fallen will be held tonight in the Cathedral of Saint Constantine.

***At the Cathedral of Saint Constantine***

The vast throng of people filled the cathedral, one of the first "mega-churches", to bursting. Even the highest galleries were packed, and event unheard-of in living memory.

The bearded, mitred priest finished: "And so, it is our sorrowful duty to commend the souls of the fallen to the Lord Above. May He, in His infinite mercy, grant them eternal peace and bounty."

A sigh ran through the audience, quickly degenerating into a general lamentation and display of sorrow - the Imperial Family was well-loved in this city, and the people felt the deaths like they would have deaths in their own families.

The cathedral was finally cleared at dawn the next day.

***In the capital, three days later***

The fighting continued, but the arrival of loyalist forces from Alexandroupolis, just in time to prevent the Imperial forces breaking, had tipped the scales. In the evening of the fifth day, the usurping "President" was forced to evacuate the city for Kastamonu, leaving the capital once more tranquil - if far less beautiful than it had been a week earlier.

Don't they understand? They claim to fight for the people, but it's the people who get hurt by such things. But I forget, this is Melepotas - he understands all right, he just doesn't care. I will kill him, given the chance. These thoughts, as well as many others, swirled in the mind of the Crown Prince, as he stayed, for the first time, in the Imperial suite of the Mangana Palace.

The tasteful decorations recalled his father, holding a small son in his arms, sternly lecturing an older boy for abusing his birth-rank and lording it over the servants, sharing glasses of fine brandy in front of a roaring fire in winter, lecturing a young man about the human side of politics and the responsibility of the Crown to all the people, consoling him after a young wife had been murdered.....

The young man in the huge bed sobbed, here in the privacy, where no-one could condemn or judge his lapse of decorum and discipline. He knew that he could no longer afford to be a child, insulated from the realities of politics and state. He knew that if he made a mistake now, there would be no wise father to set it right or shelter those he cared about from the consequences. For the first time, he truly understood his father's comments about the burdens of sovereignty.

He knew that the loyalist forces were "winning", but that was remarkably cold comfort. I have lost a father, a mother, a brother, a sister and an uncle, and they say that I'm winning. And now I have to pretend that all is well tomorrow, at the coronation, without even the mercy of a mourning period. What sane person would want this job? was the last coherent thought of the young man as he slid into a nightmare-filled sleep.

From: The People's Communist State of North Calaveras
To: New Chalcedon

What do you ask of a nation to do about this situation. We offer military assistance or in the form of aid. There are some issues that must be discussed before we may get to helping you. First of all peacful relations between the State and you.

OOC: To which faction are you offering aid?

***Kastamonu Residence, two days later***

"Miserable fools! We shall see who has the last laugh on them!" snarled the enraged man pacing the expensive carpets in the office.

"You bungled it, Cyaxares. Tell me why we shouldn't remove you right now?" the well-dressed woman seated in front of the desk asked?

Before Melepotas could reply, the suited man at the casual table added "And, of course, replace you with someone who is actually competant?"

Melepotas' face turned white at this so-casual mention of "removing" him. "Y-you can't do that! A few reverses in the initial stage of the peoples' glorious struggle are to be expected!"

For the first time in this interview, the woman deigned to look at him. Her blue eyes were as cold as space. "Spare us the rhetoric, Melepotas. You know very well that NCA Inc. hasn't sponsored your little revolution out of loyalty to the unwashed mob. And you haven't answered the question. Please don't forget, we can wash our hands of this - we don't have the blood of an emperor on our hands."

The pacing man stopped mid-step. "You can't remove me because all the troops here are loyal to me. You can't replace me because no-one else knows where all the nukes are. And you can't wash your hands of this because you don't know where all the copies of our correspondence are. Stop blustering, Anjelina. The plain fact remains that the original approach had no better than a 40% chance of success. The backup plan, however, remains in place."

The man at the table spoke up. "And what of the....agreements made between Technodyne Industries and the Provisional Government? Will you be in any position to honour them after the dust settles? Or are we going to be better off supporting the loyalists?"

"No, dont! We have the situation under control, Mr. Levakonic, I assure you. This time tomorrow, the Imperial Family will cease to exist."

"Oh? And how? Your forces have reverted to an ill-disciplined rabble of malcontents and drunkards, just like the unwashed herd they claim to emulate and adore." The scorn in Anjelina's voice was withering. "And since your only competant general got himself killed in the capital, you're a little stretched for leadership, too."

"You forget Angelina, there are the nukes. I, and only I, know the radio detonation frequencies and codes. I will detonate three nukes tomorrow morning, during the coronation. One will be under the Hagia Eirena, one under the Hippodrome, and one under the Mangana Palace. No matter what stage the procession and coronation is at, the latest oppressor will be at or near one of those buildings." Melepotas spoke with complete, and false, confidence. The Fates - old imperialist superstition that they were - seemed to be watching out for the Imperial Family. It would be just his luck if one of the technicians was taken by the enemy before his own forces could execute them.....

"As for the darling little Princess Eirena, another assassin should do the job nicely. Given that Prince Iohannes will fall victim to a convenient air crash - the pilot of that plane is mine - , that neatly eliminates the close-kin. Anyone else will simply be a rival claimant, and won't have the prestige of the direct line. In the end, we will of course be victorious."

"Be very careful that no-one can trace you to the nuclear attack, Cyaxares, especially with the weight of so many innocent people to tighten the noose around the necks of anyone caught. If that happens, we'll cut you loose in an instant. Clear?" Levakonic's voice was steel-hard.

"Understood, Mr. Levakonic." Not all the political experience in the world could disguise the smoldering hatred in Melepotas' eyes at having to - still - take orders like a flunky.

***Constantinopolis Secundus, Coronation Day.***

***Hagia Eirene, 7:30 AM.***

Patriarch Gennadius looked around the hastily-cleared floor of the Hagia Eirene. While the missing dome was nontraditional as settings went, at least it wasn't looking like rain - never a good omen for a coronation. And at least there were no more damned rebels to interrupt the ceremony or damage his beloved Cathedral further!

***The Hippodrome, 8:00 AM.***

Crispus Notaras looked around the Hippodrome, at the masses of people in the seats. Much good they were during the heat of it, he thought. Still, I guess there wasn't much they could do against armed soldiers.

As he completed another circuit of his assigned area, a janitor came rushing out of one of the stairwells that led to the below-ground basements. "Lieutenant! Lieutenant!" the man panted.

Great, just what I need: a panicking janitor to make my patrol just SO wonderful:rolleyes:." Yes, what is it? Calm down, man, I think that there are enough troops here to solve any problems." The Lieutenant sounded cool and collected, unlike the mixture of irritation and anxiety which churned through his thoughts.

"Lieutenant, there's something in one of the basements. I've worked here for fifteen years, and I've never seen anything like it," the janitor replied.

"Ok men, keep the patrol going. Janitor, let's take the lift down. What level?"

"B5".

"B5 it is." And I hope to Mary mother of God that it's just an overexcited imagination.

*** In the basement, 8:10 AM. ***

"Here it is, Lieutenant. See what I meen? It's really...weird." The janitor looked much more composed now that he had passed the problem higher.

The...object...looked, if not innocuous, then certainly not worthy of panic. To the naked eye, it appeared to be a glossy black capsule, about similar in size to a suitcase. A panel was visible on the upper side of the device, and a cord went to the wall and entered a conduit.

Could that be.....nahhhh. Couldn't it? Notaras thought. Then he saw the NBC logo on the side. Oh, Sweet God, it is! Ohshitohshitohshit was the next thought, immediately followed by sheer, howling (if well-concealed) terror.

"You've done well, janitor. Let me know your name so that I can report your initiative."

"Constans Argyros, sir."

"Very well, Mr. Argyros, you are dismissed. Thank you."

As soon as the janitor had left, Lieutenant Notaras opened his belt-pouch comm set. "Colonel, I've been shown something you really ought to know about....."

***Passanger cabin, Imperial Airliner Eos***

The young man stirred in his seat. Next to him, the professional - tutor was the best term - glanced at him to see if his services were required.

Prince - no, Crown Prince now, Iohannes Doukas-Palaiologos felt the appriasing look. Schooled to attention from earliest childhood, he ignored it on the surface, but felt enormous resentment underneath.

Why now? Father and I hadn't agreed on my service yet? I didn't have the chance to say...that I loved him. Damn this duty anyway - for a clipped sestertius, I'd hand it to the professional toadying corps, a.k.a. the "Imperial Diplomatic Corps". Hah! Backstabbing vipers, all of them, just like that unmitigated bastard Melepotas. Oops, can't mention that word, even in the vernacular. Her Soon-to-be Majesty is like to take it amiss, and Father wanted me to, as he put it, "establish closer relations". Oh well, at least she's apparently pretty and intelligent. And she probably has a dozen aristocratic suitors lined up. I'll just be nice for a while, and see if that makes her like me. No point rushing this...

Next to him, the "tutor", Peter, was having braodly similar thoughts. It's criminal, it is, not letting a young man grieve his father. At least I can give him a little time alone without making it obvious.

"Highness?

"Yes, Peter?"

"With Your Highness' permission, I'd like to go forward to the comms room, and inform the Anglian authorities that we're about to land. i'll be back shortly."

"Certainly, Peter".

As the man discreetly left, he could hear the youth behind him at last mourning his father in a little privacy.

***Comms room, Imperial Airliner Eos***

As Peter entered the comms room, he felt the plane tip sharply forward - too sharply. Mindful of the recent treachery which had ended the lives of the Empress-Dowager and her elder daughter, he rushed forward to the cockpit, expecting to find the pilot dead. As he did so, he caught a glimpse of the passenger area, and noticed that the Prince's guards were hustling him to one of the seats near an exit.

***Cockpit, Imperial Airliner Eos***

As Peter entered the cockpit, a pistol barked, but missed its intended target. Peter reacted with reflexes honed by long years of training and service, noting in passing that the copilot was dead in his seat. His hand struck to his right, where the sound had come from, with speed that would have shamed a striking cobra.

The pistol fell from the assassin's nerveless hand. It was the pilot.
"What the - how can anyone be that fast? It ain't possible!" the pilot-assassin said dazedly.

"Look, you have two choices. One: you land the plane safely, and get taken into custody. You might even get clemency at the trial for backing down. Two: I knock you out, and land the plane myself. I might be rougher than you on the stick, but I doubt that anyone would be hurt. Then, afterwards, I turn you over to the Varangian Guardsmen on board. Given the situation, they'd take it...amiss...when I told them you'd tried to crash the plane. And given how Anglia looks on this kind of treason, I doubt that they'll step in to protect you."

"You're bluffing - you're not a pilot!"

"Am I not? We'll see soon - now get on that stick!"

The pilot stood firm until Peter moved towards him with obvious deadly intent. Then, his resolve all at once gone, he flinched and resumed his seat. The plane began to level off, and started the approach to the designated Anglian Airport, while Peter moved the dead copilot from his seat and began talking to Ground Control, advising them to have a police presence ready. Then he called in to the Imperial Palace via satellite to report the failed attempt.

***Constantinopolis Secundus, Coronation Day.***

The young man appears to have gained a little dignity. Perhaps he will measure up to his father's standards, after all. This thought was the last coherent thought the old Secretary experienced before a comm call set his world into chaos - again.

"There's what in the Hippodrome's basements?" he screamed at the commlink, his usual compsure utterly absent.

"You heard me, sir. A nuclear bomb." The unhappy voice belonged to a Colonel of the Varangian Guard, tasked with ensuring the soon-to-be Emperor's safety. "We've sent a bomb squad in, and started searching other key locations in the city. But it'll take a while, maybe too long. There's a lot of city to search, after all. Recommend that you get His Highness out of there at once."

"Noted, Colonel." And won't His Highness just love this?the old man thought. First, his father dies, then his mother is assassinated, and now someone's trying to blow up the entire city to get him, not caring how many people die? Like Constantine used to say, who'd want this job?

Speaking aloud: "Highness, there's a minor emergency. It is in hand, but Colonel Varaxes thinks that you should get out of the city for the moment jsut in case."

"No, Andras. If it's a minor emergency, then I'll take my chances rather than skip out on the coronation - how would that look?" The young man looked stubborn. Or resolute, the old man's mind treacherously supplied. He looks more like the Old Soldier every day."Highness, this is not open to debate. Captain, you will, for His Higness' own safety, escort him to the airport immediately by any means necessary, up to and including the threat and application of force. Then, you will see His Higness safely on an aircraft and out of the city. Is that clear?"

The Captain looked between the Secretary and the soon-to-be Emperor, not liking his position. "Errrhm...."

"Hold, Captain. I'm going nowhere. Andras, I'm getting the impression that this is much more than a 'minor' emergency. Try to remember that you work for me now, and give."

Definitely more like the Old Soldier every day. The thought was sour, but with a sweet aspect to it as well. "Very well, Highness. There is at least one nuclear device in the city, primed to go off - under the Hippodrome, to be precise. It seems that Melepotas isn't quite finished with us, yet."

"And you wanted me to evacuate? How would that look to the fence-sitters. Me, evacuating the city and leaving the countless thousands to teir deaths? Unless you seriously think that we can evacuate more than a fraction of them in any meaningful time frame! I'm staying, and that is final. Life or death, I choose the path of my people. And I remind you, Andras, of the words of Empress Theodora - "Royalty is a fine burial shroud". To this I add: better to die an Emperor and a man, than live a coward."

When Lasarkis hesitated: "That is all, Andras. You are dismissed". Lasarkis knew, in that moment, that the torch had truly passed from father to son, and that the sun has set on the authority of the bureaucracies and the Senate. Resigning himself to the changes of Fate, he bowed deeply, and left to coordinate the searches.


***Under the Hippodrome***

Lieutenant Notaras looked highly nervous, as any man standing (almost literally) on top of a multiple-megaton nuclear bomb with an indeterminate countdown might.

However, the bomb squad was finally here. They unpacked with professional hste, and motioned the Lieutenant back. He took their advice with alacrity, moving further back than they had asked. One of them noticed.

"Lieutenant, don't be nervous. A step or two back won't help you if we - Saints forbid! - screw this one up. Stand at the door, and stop anyone from getting in to interrupt us, if you would." Blushing, the Lieutenant nodded and obeyed. He heard the muttered comment "Saints, but they make them younger every year, don't they?" He blushed again.

***At the Hagia Eirene***

"There's what in the old sacristy?" The Patriarch's voice was barely audible, but it carried his shock just fine.

"A nuclear bomb, Your Holiness. If you'd just be so good as to keep the people" - with a significant glance at the vast crowd filling the cathedral almost to capacity - "from panicking, then we'll just take it off your hands." The young woman spoke with a certain morbid humour, almost delighting in the reaction she had elicited from the unflappable old man who had served four Emperors and weathered multiple attempts on his life (not to mention nearly 80 years).

"Young lady, I expect to see you in confession this Sunday. It's poor form to try to give old men heart attacks, you know. Meanwhile, we both have jobs to do, it seems."

"Yes, Holiness." The woman left, thinking Damn, but if only he was fourty years younger. Little did she know that the Patriarch was thinking much the same thing.

***The Mangana Palace***

"Well, that'll teach us about letting rebels occupy the building, I suppose."

The only response that this quip got from the hard-faced specialist heading up the bomb squad in the disused attic was a glare. "If Your Highness has demonstrated sufficient schadenfreude, not to mention manliness, for the moment, would you care to actually get on with the coronation? You're late, you know."

The Crown Prince could only retreat on hearing that. Damned young pup, thought the specialist.Having to prove that he's the cock-of-the-walk. Oh well, let's tear this bitch apart - but carefully, carefully! It wouldn't do at all for turn the Mangana Palace into a charnel house, now would it? With that cheerful thought, he got started.

***The Hippodrome, 9:00 AM***

Well, well, well. So this is how long the city has to live. Half an hour seems like such a long time to be in the basement, but it's so short to save over a billion people. Oh well, just move even faster - but carefully, so carefully.

The specialist's thoughts were concealed from his face - no point frightening the poor Lieutenant any further, was there?

***The Mangana Palace, 9:10 AM***

"Well, that's it. Glad we could be of service, Excellency."

"That's it? Where did it come from? Who put it there?" Lasarkis voice was incredulous. How could this uniformed bumpkin treat a nuclear device with such...unconcern?

"Oh, that's simple. This, Excellency, is a stock-standard Imperial Army device. Given the situation, there's only one possible candidate. But of course, you know more about the politics than I."

Arrogant bastard. "Thank you, specialist, for your service. You will be recognised in due course."

Ingrate. "Thank you, Excellency."

***The Hippodrome, 9:12 AM***

"Well, Lieutenant. It seems that we are both heroes."

"You've disarmed it? Great!"

"No, of course I haven't. I'm just pulling your leg, to see if I can get you to dance on this ugly black thing. Of course it's disarmed. Did you think I'd jerk your chain on something like this?"

"Don't do that to me, specialist. I'm not as fit as I could be. And tension adds to my age, you know."

"Oh, I dunno, Lieutenant. You seem young and fit enough to me. When does your shift end?"

"Um....oh....ummm....at four."

"Great! 4:30 at Andreas' Bistro, then!"

Feeling a little like he'd been run over by a freight train, Crispus nodded.

***The Hagia Eirene, 9:29 AM***

Gennadius spoke calmly, although he knew that if the team downstairs failed to do their jobs, then the people in the cathedral had just a few moments left.

In the basement, the pert young woman struggled with the security circuits, knowing that she had less than a minute. Wait. There was that trick her ex had taught her a few years ago....time to see if he was talking out his backside again.

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Above:

"And in the name of Christ Pantocrator, and by my authority as His Disciple, I hereby set the seal and blessing of Heaven on your crown, as Emperor Michael VI Doukas-Palaiologos."

The cheer was thunderous, rising from all parts of the crowd.

Come on, come on, you little minx. You'd have to be smarter than that, surely, to get into the demolition squads! The Patriarch was feeling... testy... at the moment. Understandably, he thought.

00:04

00:03

00:02

In the basement:

"There! That's done it....I hope."

***Countdown aborted. Have a nice day.***

"Smart-aleck machines. Gotta kill the programmers...kiiiiilll the programmers..."
Then the young woman slumped to the floor, unconscious. The stress, combined with the flu she was suffering, had taken its toll at last.

From: The Private Office of Grand Duke Feren.
To: Emperor Michael VI Doukas-Palaiologos
Subject: Recent Revolts

The Grand Duchy of Nova Lassastun congratulates the newly crowded emperor, and sends its best wishes and its total and full support to his new government. While we would like to send military aid, and this moment a considerable part of our Defense is working as a peacekeeping taskforce in Dashi were revolts and open rebellion as left the country in turmoil. We can not, however, forget our duty to our brothers in New Chalcedon. As such, we will be sending medical supplies and food. We would be, at the same time, honored to invite the Royal Princess Eirena to Nova Lassastun for further treatment in our medical facilities.

If you want to form a government in exile, while the fight endures, we would be greatly honored to have you residing in our great nation.

Truly Yours
Grand Duke Feren

The Tel Amur Empire congratulates the people on throwing off the iron yoke of their oppressors and would like to implore the government of this fine nation to give their people a voice in the government to prevent this rebellion from becoming too large.

Emperor Mikhail Haird
Tel Amur Empire

Message from the Glorious United Socialist States of Efronmurillo
Ministry of External Affairs

The USSE sends it's formal appraisal to the new Government of New Chalcedon.

From the Pen of Mikhail IV of House Halsar, Lord of Northern Rangeria and Her Outlying Regions,

To Our Imperial Cousin, His Serene Majesty Emperor Michael VI Doukas-Palaiologos

Greetings, my cousin.

I apologize for the tardiness of this message, but the current situation in Europe has bound me greatly in matters of the state. It is only now that I have learned of the events of the previous few days. I never had the pleasure of meeting your father, Emperor Constantine, but I mourn his untimely death as I would the passing of a blood relative. The few letters I exchanged with him tell me he was a man of honour, and I believe the same of his progeny and successor.

The Principality will not send any aid to rebel forces, and as per your request we will not send military aid to You unless You so ask. If there is anything I and my country can do to aid You, do not hesitate to ask. If needed, we are also willing to offer sanctuary to any members of the royal family who may face danger during this conflict.

Good luck, cousin Michael, and may God bless you with wisdom and long age.


Signed,

Mikhail IV

TO: His Highness, Grand Duke Feren of Nova Lassastun.
FROM: His Imperial and Serene Majesty, Michael VI of New Chalcedon.
RE: Condolences.

Your Grace,

New Chalcedon thanks you for your condolences and your expressions of support. Further, we understand the position of Nova Lassastun vis-a-vis military aid to either faction in New Chalcedon. Regarding your offers of treatment, We will refer your offer to the specialists treating Princess Eirene, and we thank you for the offer.

Yours in amity,

Michael VI,
Emperor and Lord of New Chalcedon,
Defender of the Realm,
etc., etc.

P.S. The "crowding" went well with a few minor hitches. ;)

TO: His Highness, Grand Duke Feren of Nova Lassistun.
FROM: Marija Bardanes, Head of ICU at Basil IV Memorial Hospital.
Re: Treatment options.

Your Highness,

The staff at Basil IV ICU thanks Nova Lassastun for their offer of treatment. Unfortunately, Her Highness is in critical condition and cannot be transported. Might I suggest an alternative: that a Lassastani medical team come here, instead, bringing whatever equipment they need and we do not have?

In haste,
Marija Bardanes,
Head of Basil IV Memorial Hospital ICU.

TO: His/Her Majesty, the Monarch of the Tel Arman Empire.
FROM: His Imperial and Serene Majesty, Michael VI of New Chalcedon.
Re: Political reform.

Your Majesty,

Perhaps you are unaware of the status quo ante in the Empire of New Chalcedon. Therefore, I will give you a brief explanation:

1. The Crown.

The Crown is the executive arm of government, and has exclusive control of foreign affairs, as per the Constitution. Further, the Crown performs a variety of ceremonial duties, has a vote in the Crown Council, appoints Patriarchs to the Church, and acts as commander-in-chief of the Imperial Armed Forces.

Informally, the Crown, due to its veneration, also has significant sway in internal affairs. Further, the Crown has traditionally involved itself in advocating universal education, universal healthcare and a strong economy.

To become the Emperor/Empress, the throne must be vacant and one must have the approval of the people, the army, the Senate and the Church. Notable Emperors of common background include Basil III, Basil IV, Iohannes (John) IX, Alexios VII and Eirene III.

1a. The Crown Council.

This Council serves as the executive council of New Chalcedon, not unlike the Cabinets some other nations maintain. In order to be a Crown Councillor, one must also be a member of either House of the legislature. Crown Councillors serve at the Crown's pleasure, but it is unusual for the Crown to dismiss Councillors without clear cause.

There are currently 12 senior and 15 junior Crown Councillors. Of these, 3 and 6 are from the Senate, and 9 and 9 are from the Estates.

2. The Imperial Senate.

The Imperial Senate is the upper House of the New Chalcedonian legislature. All bills (with the exception of spending bills) must originate in the Senate, the Prime Minister must, by convention, command a majority of the Senators, and the Senate approves the accession of an Emperor. In addition, Senators may serve as members of the Crown Council. The Senate commands a Guard force which is not associated with the regular Armed Forces.

Entry to the Senate can be granted by birth or by the approval of the Crown. Of the 200 Imperial Senators, 141 hold the position by right of birth, and the remaining 59 wer eappointd by the Crown, either due to popular acclaim or the political considerations.

3. The Imperial Estates.

The Imperial Estates is the lower House of the New Chalcedonian legislature. The Estates is popularly elected, and Estaters serve renewable five-year terms. General elections are held every five years, and by-elections are held for seats that suddnly become vacant. Each seat in the Estates corresponds to a specific location of the Empire; there are 754 seats in the Estates.

The Estates must approve any bill passed by the Seante, and has the sole right to initiate spending (budget) bills.

The current membership of the Estates is as follows: 187 Imperial Party, 176 Constitutionalist Centrist Party, 104 Socialist Party, 96 Conservative Party, 87 Nationalist Party, 75 Liberal Party, 19 Republican Party and 10 Independant members.

4. The Church

The Church appoints jurists to the High Court (see below). In addition, each Emperor must receive the blessing of hte Patriarch of the day.

4a. The High Court.

The High Court consists, under the Constitution, of 11 laymen who are appointed by the Patriarch of Constantinopolis Secundus. These must be appointed for "valor in defense of the law, understanding of the laws, wisdom in knowing what the laws mean; and further must be of upright character, without a blemish upon their reputation" (Imperial Constitution, 1611). Once appointed, High Jurists serve until retiring at the age of 80.

The High Court has the following powers:

- Rule on the validity of any Acts passed by the legislature and ratified by the Crown, using the Constitution as a guideline.
- Hear election and voting disputes in relation to the legislature.
- Rule on disputes brought before it by or against citizens of the Empire.

I believe, Your Majesty, that this explains that New Chalcedon is a participatory, multiparty democracy in which any citizen can aspire to any rank to which their talents are sufficient.

Yours,

Michael VI,
Emperor and Lord of New Chalcedon,
Defender of the Realm.

TO: His Excellency, the minister for External Affairs for the Glorious United Socialist States of Efronmurillo.
FROM: Andras Lasarkis, Secretary to His Imperial and Serene Majesty, Michael VI of New Chalcedon.
Re: Congratulations.

Your Excellency,

We received your telegram in this morning's mail, and would like to thank you for your kind words. We would further like to remind you that our embassy program shall be opening shortly after the chaos has settled down and events have returned to normal. Perhaps the Glorious United Socialist States of Efronmurillo wouldlike to send a representative?

[Signed]

Andras Lasarkis.

TO: His Imperial and Serene Majesty, Michael VI of New Chalcedon..
FROM:His Highness, Grand Duke Feren of Nova Lassistun.
Re:Treatment options.

Since time is all it matters in this case, I am sending my personal medic staff in an A310 MRTT MEDEVAC unit. It will contain most of the equipments necessary in case that her situation gets worse.

Along the medic staff, I am sending my personal doctor, Dr. Enrik Bouse, who served my father before me, and has years of experience.

The medical team will be comprised of 15 doctors and Dr Bouse will be acting as liaison between Basil IV staff and NL medics.

In light to recent events around the world, where it looks like terrorists, rebels and insubordinates are raising to challenge the status quo, I have review my policy on international affairs, and I have decided that I can send a small strike force that may serve as personal bodyguards to you or your sister.

The Imperial Guard unit composed of 15 soldiers is ready and will be deployed 12 hours after the order is given. If you need them, just say the word.

The medical unit should arrive soon.

Sincerely
Duke Feren

TO: His Majesty, Micheal IV Halasar, Prince of Northern Rangeria and Her Outlying Regions.
FROM: His Imperial and Serene Majesty, Michael VI Doukas-Palaiologos of New Chalcedon.
RE: Condolences.

Your Majesty,

I was touched to read your letter of condolence. I hope that our nations can continue to enjoy close ties, and I have instructed Admiral Lasarkis in the Aegean Sea to co-opearte closely with your forces.

Regarding your offer of sanctuary, I am flattered and honoured beyond words that you would make such an offer. However, the situation appears to be coming under control, and with the news that Melepotas had placed nuclear weapons in the capital for the sole purpose of assassinating me has destroyed his popular support.

I expect Kastamonu to fall shortly - the city is now surrounded, and Melepotas has no way out. Soon, this crisis should be over and tranquility restored. Once my late father is avenged, the Empire should be able to send significant reinforcements to aid the efforts agaisnt Caprilusa.

Lstly, when the trouble has died down, would Your Majesty care to pay a visit to New Chalcedon, or to receive a visit from myself to Northern Rangeria?

Yours in friendship,

Michael Doukas-Palaiologos,
Emperor of New Chalcedon.

***Constantinopolis Secundus, the Hippodrome***

The young man finished orating

"And I say to you, the people of New Chalcedon, that the vile traitor Melepotas shall be caught, and his name shall live in infamy forever!

And I tell you now, that my heart has not been hardened towards the people! The false rhetoric that the traitor employed has not blinded me to the needs and desires of the people, and I promise you now that my course shall not be one of absolutism!

Do you, the people of New Chalcedon, ratify me as your Emperor, the symbol of national unity and desires?"

In a hundred cities, the end of the oration sparked a great cheer. In the capital, where the would-be Emperor faced the people directly, the response was overwhelming. Four million voices were raised as one, claiming proud ownership of the traditions of Empire and honour.

Even in Kastamonu, where the traitor was under siege in the Residence with his last few loyalists, the roar of voices was clearly audible, and Melepotas thought desperately in an attempt to find a solution. He knew that he was in a very poor bargaining position, but he still had one lever to pull......

***Constantinopolis Secundus, the Mangana Palace***

The vidscreen in Andras Lasarkis' office began to chime, signalling a request for attention. "What is it?" he asked.

The synthesised female voice replied: "Request for communication, from Kastamonu Residence."

"From......certainly." The Secretary was intrigued, but sw no harm in allowing the traitor to speak.

"Andras, my old friend. I have a deal to offer you that you will find it very hard to refuse." The voice was smooth as it had not been since before the coup, as if the man at the other end of the line had come to an important decision.

"Don't call me "old friend", traitor. What do you want, and why do you think that we are remotely interested in what you're selling?" Lasarkis was blunt, preferring not to remember that he had sat down opposite good meals with this man many times, to discuss politics and culture.

"Hasty, aren't we?" Seeing the man at the other end about to explode, Melepotas hastily continued: "I have two things that you will agree are worth, say, my life, my freedom and 100,000 nomismas?"

"You're mad! But continue, so that I can decide whether to take this to His Majesty."

"You are hasty at the moment. Very well, here it is: I, and I alone, can give these two things to your side: the knowledge of where ten more nuclear bombs are hidden, and the names and motivations - complete with documentation - of the corporate interests who backed my coup."

"Wait a moment. I'll wake His Majesty for this, and he can offer you terms."

After waking the tired Emperor and persuading him to at least listen, Lasarkis got to listen in on the final agreed-upon terms: a surrender of the rebel forces as well as both pieces of information Melepotas mentioned, in exchange for his life, exile, 100,000 nomismas and amnesty for the rebels generally.

***Two days later, in an NCIS broadcast***

YOUNG, ATTRACTIVE WOMAN: In other news, the Imperial Police have raided the headquarters of NCA Inc., one of the Empire's largest arms manufacturers, as well as the headquarters of Technodyne Industries Inc., after the rebel leader Melepotas surrendered evidence of their involvement as part of an amnesty deal. The former President of the Seante will depart the Empire, never to return, in just two more days. Many believe that his penalty was extremely light, and the Emperor's office has announced that the security measures on nuclear weapons will henceforth be doubled, in order to prevent others from reaching for this weapon.

Among those of note who have been arrested include Anjelina Alexandrassa, the Chairwoman of the Board for NCA, and Izrok Levakonic, the CEO of Technodyne. The share prices of the two corporations has plunged to about 10% of their pre-coup levels, and several other board members of both corporations have been indicted as accomplices.

Today, His Majesty honoured the city of Novoa Hadrianopolis as a centre of loyalty and honour, and honoured also several people involved in the bomb scares that almost derailed the Imperial Coronation. Among those of note who were honoured include Lieutenanat, now Captain, Crispus Notaras, who is the heir of the Grand Duke of Moesia.

It is with great pleasure that NCIS can finally report that the rebellion is over, and extend our felicitations to His Majesty, to add to the condolences we extended earlier. We hope that His Majesty's reign will be prosperous and peaceful, and that future would-be traitors note the outcome of this attempted coup.

His late Majesty, Constantine of happy memory, shall be buried in the Imperial Mausoleum later today, after having been found dumped in a basement of the Imperial Command Centre. The state funeral will be held simultaneously at every major cathedral in the Empire, and his spirit will finally be laid to rest, so that the new reign may begin.

Thank you, and good night.

TO: His Highness, Grand Duke Feren of Nova Lassastun.
FROM: His Imperial and Serene Majesty, Michael VI of New Chalcedon.
RE: Treatment and proctetion.

Your Highness,

First, allow me to thank you for your many kind words and offers of support. Your support made the critical daysafter my somewhat chaotic accession much easier, and I wishto express my gratitude.

Second, on the matter of treatment, it appears that Dr. Bouse is indeed a miracle worker. He has reported that my sister should make a full recovery, when several of the Empire's best doctors had given up on her maintaining mobility. I have noted that Dr. Bouse seems to be getting on in years, and it seems unjust that such expertise should not be passed on. Would itbe possible for him to personally instruct a few of New Chalcedon's more advanced doctors, to put the final polish on their skills? If this is not possible, parhaps a small academy could be established, jointly funded, so that both nations' doctors may learn from his expertise and help their peoples?

Third, it appears that with the rebels now accepting amnesty, there is little need for security. While I thank you for the kind offer, the Varangian Guard is absolutely loyal, and will defend me with their lives.

Thank you once again, for all your help.

Yours warmly,

Michael VI,
Emperor and Lord of New Chalcedon,
Defender of the Realm,
etc., etc.

TO: His Imperial and Serene Majesty, Michael VI of New Chalcedon.
FROM: His Highness, Grand Duke Feren of Nova Lassastun.
RE: Treatment and protection.

Your Highness,

My heart exploded in joy when I heard the new. The rebellion is over and your beautiful land is now in peace. Although I know that some scars will be left, let's rejoice with the good news! Peace at last! The people of Nova Lassastun will be happy upon hearing this!!

On the matter of your sister's treatment, I am really glad that such a recovery is now possible. I have entrusted Dr. Bouse abilities since a was a young boy.

Regarding Dr. Bouse's experience, he seems to be happy in New Chalcedon, and already spotted a few doctors that deserve his time. As a result, I am authorizing him to teach a new generation of specialist in New Chalcedon. I will also donate enough money to create an academy, as you so kindly suggested, were both nations' doctors will exchange knowledge, skills and experience.

May this only be the beginning of a new Age of Reason and Prosperity, My brother!

There is yet another urgent mater, and although I don't want to put pressure on you, I have noticed that while our political and social bound are getting stronger, there is a small "problem" if we may call it that way. I have noticed that New Chalcedon forces are supporting Rebel forces in the far away land of Dashie.

Since you own country suffered from a recent revolt, I would most kindly ask you to review the government current choice. The Government of Dashie may not be as proud and honorably as yours, but siding with rebel forces will create a precedent. And Peacekeeping forces already presented an alternative to the current conflict.

Your support to this agreement could prove fundamental.

But let's think of that another day... Today is a day of joy! Long live Michael VI!

Sincerely,

Grand Duke Feren
Grand Duchy of Nova Lassastun

Official Communicae

We apologize for our misunderstanding of your political system and thank you for understanding our motives for our words. Seeing through this looking glass of understanding your political system, that this is a rebellion and not a revolution. Therefore, the Tel Amur Empire offers you it's assistance however necessary, you need only ask. We also offer you our condolences on the passing of your father and the loss of a beloved leader, we know what such things are like.

Emperor Mikhail Haird
Tel Amur Empire

Unofficially
Tel Amur's military specializes in a variety of things, one of them assassination. We offer these assassins' services to you to bring an end to this conflict in a manner which costs as little life as possible. We anxiously await your response

TO: His Highness, Grand Duke Feren of Nova Lassastun.
FROM: His Imperial and Serene Majesty, Michael VI of New Chalcedon.
RE: Friendship.

Your Highness,

The forces to which you refer are not under Imperial crown control. They were the Senatorial Guard, and their abscence from the capital was what made it possible to hold out. The Imperial Naval vessels have been withdrawn as of today, and any remaining Senate Guards can be treated as traitors to New Chalcedon and bandits.

As We have noted that both sides have rejected your peace offer, let that issue be no longer an obstacle to good relations between our nations. Further, We will immediately set land aside in the capital to house the Academy of Co-operative Medical Science.

Yours in friendship,

Michael Doukas-Palaiologos,
Emperor of New Chalcedon.

TO: His Imperial Majesty, Mikhael Haird of the Tel Arman Empire.
FROM: His Imperial and Serene Majesty, Michael VI of New Chalcedon.
Re: Offer of assistance.

Your Imperial Majesty,

We are grateful that the misunderstanding could be cleaned up easily. As to your offer, there is no need for it, as the rebels have laid down their weapons. However, We thank you for the offer, and once a regular embassy program has been instituted, We invite you to send a delegation to gain further understanding of New Chalcedon and her social and political systems.

Yours in amity,

Michael VI,
Emperor and Lord of New Chalcedon,
Defender of the Realm,
etc., etc.

TO: His Imperial and Serene Majesty, Michael VI of New Chalcedon.
FROM: His Highness, Grand Duke Feren of Nova Lassastun.
RE: Friendship.

Your Highness,

It is nice to see that two nations can become such good friends in such a small amount of time. And now that the situation on Dashie has been cleared, we can remain in excellent terms. It would have been painful to me to order attacks over forces belonging to New Chalcedon.

Hereby I am granting you the personal title of Friend of Nova Lassastun, and brother of the Nation!

My people will rejoice with the good news!

On the other hand, a recent senatorial law has been passed. It is my task, and pleasure to send you the following agreement.

Te governments of the Grand Duchy of Nova Lassastun, hereby agrees to the following in an attempt to solidify the friendship between our two peoples:

- The Grand Duchy of Nova Lassastun agrees to conduct relations in a friendly, constructive and cooperative manner.
- The armed forces of our nation agrees to carry out joint training exercises on land, at sea and in the air.
- Our nation agrees to increase economic ties through trade, investment and the development of infrastructure.

Please, take the time to read it, and make any changes or suggestions as you see fit.

May the bonds between our two countries be strong and enduring!


Sincerely,

Grand Duke Feren
Grand Duchy of Nova Lassastun

(OOC: What do you think of a League of Nobles alliance -for RPing purposes)

TO: His Imperial Majesty, Mikhael Haird of the Tel Arman Empire.
FROM: His Imperial and Serene Majesty, Michael VI of New Chalcedon.
Re: Offer of assistance.

Your Imperial Majesty,

We are grateful that the misunderstanding could be cleaned up easily. As to your offer, there is no need for it, as the rebels have laid down their weapons. However, We thank you for the offer, and once a regular embassy program has been instituted, We invite you to send a delegation to gain further understanding of New Chalcedon and her social and political systems.

Yours in amity,

Michael VI,
Emperor and Lord of New Chalcedon,
Defender of the Realm,
etc., etc.

To: His Imperial Majesty Michael VI of Chalcedon
From: Supreme Emperor Mikhail Haird of The Tel Amur Empire

Your Imperial Majesty,

The Empire of Tel Amur finds this proposal of an embassy to be a very favorable thing, we shall watch carefully for an opportunity to exchange embassies with your fine nation. As to the thanks for our offer, none is needed; it was an offer calculated to save lives and bring an end to this conflict quickly.

Supreme Emperor Mikhail Haird
Emperor of the Tel Amur Empire

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TO: His Imperial and Serene Majesty, Michael VI of New Chalcedon..
FROM:njerome@fraedon.gov

Dear Sir,
My personal condolences on the loss of your father. Although I have never personally met him, it is my deepest regret that I shall now never have the chance.

In this time of personal tragedy I wish to confirm my full support for you. Should military or medical aid be required, we shall provide what we can.

Hoping this finds you in good health,
Neil Jerome,
President Fraedon